Soter of Rome

Our father among the saintsSoter of Rome was the Bishop of Rome from 166 to 174. His name in Greek "σωτήρ" (sōtēr), meaning a "saviour" or "deliverer". His feast day is April 22.

Life

Bishop Soter was born in Fondi, Campania, Italy of Greek ancestry.[1] Dionysius of Corinth praised him for his charity towards needy Christians to whom he gave support as exiles and those who had been condemned to the mines.[2] Bp. Soter is known for declaring that marriage was valid only as a sacrament blessed by a priest. He also formally inaugurated the celebration of Pascha as an annual festival in Rome.[3]

While Bp. Soter has not been recognized as a martyr, traditionally he has been considered one. He reposed in 174.